What is Giddens' Structuration Theory? Theory of Structuration. Sociology A-Level Videos

Summary

Structuration theory by Anthony Giddens reconciles the duality of structure and agency, viewing them as interdependent. It emphasizes that social action is both enabled by and reproduces social structures, such as language, through rules and resources. Giddens suggests that while structures are often reproduced in daily life for stability, they can also be changed through reflexive action, influencing societal patterns like marriage and religion. His theory bridges structural and action perspectives, encouraging a focus on shared social practices that involve both individual agency and social structures.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Structuration Theory by Anthony Giddens reconciles the debate between agency and structure in sociology.
• 🔄 Giddens argues that individual agency and social structures are not opposed but are interdependent.
• 👤 Social action relies on individual agency but is also influenced by the rules and resources provided by social structures.
• 🏗️ Structural theories are deterministic, viewing society as an objective reality, while action theories are voluntaristic, viewing society as created by its members.
• 🔄 Structuration Theory suggests a duality of structure and action, where both are necessary for the existence of the other.
• 🗣️ Language is used as an example of a structure made up of rules that are reproduced and can be changed through human action.
• 🔄 Structure consists of rules (norms, customs, laws) and resources (economic, power), which are reproduced or changed through human action.
• 🔄 The reproduction of structure occurs because of our daily application of rules and our need for ontological security.
• 🛠️ Social structures can be changed through agency by reflexively monitoring our actions and making new choices.
• 🌐 Giddens' theory bridges the gap between structural and action theories, emphasizing that structures are reproduced through everyday actions but can also be changed.
• 🔍 Giddens suggests focusing on shared social practices that involve both individual agency and social structures, rather than prioritizing one over the other.

Q & A

What is Structuration Theory?

Structuration Theory is a sociological theory developed by Anthony Giddens that reconciles the duality between individual agency and larger social structures. It suggests that these two are not opposed but are interdependent, with social action being both enabled and constrained by social structures.

How does Anthony Giddens view the relationship between agency and structure?

Giddens argues that agency and structure are two sides of the same coin. Individuals' actions (agency) depend on and reproduce social structures, and at the same time, these structures enable and constrain actions.

What are the two elements of structure according to Giddens?

Structure has two elements: rules (such as norms, customs, laws, etc.) and resources (like economic materials and power over others).

How do rules and resources influence human action?

Rules and resources can be reproduced or changed through human action. They tend to be reproduced because they contain knowledge on how we live our lives, and we have a deep need for ontological security, which is a sense of stability and predictability.

How can social structures be changed through agency?

Social structures can be changed through agency in two ways: reflexively monitoring our actions, which allows us to choose a new course of action, and unintentionally through our actions, such as how Calvinists' work unintentionally led to the creation of modern capitalism.

What is meant by the term 'ontological security' in the context of Structuration Theory?

Ontological security refers to the sense of stability and predictability that individuals require in their social environment. Constant shifts in social structure would disrupt this sense of security, making reproduction of structures more likely.

Can you provide an example of how structure and action are interrelated in Structuration Theory?

Yes, language is a good example. It is a structure made up of rules (grammar, spelling, etc.) that exist independently of any user. However, using language means obeying and reinforcing its structure, which is an action. Language also changes with new words being invented, showing how action can reproduce and change structures.

What is the role of reflexivity in Structuration Theory?

Reflexivity is the process of individuals monitoring and reflecting on their actions. In late modernity, people constantly reflect on their lives, which can lead to changes in social structures as they choose new courses of action.

How does Structuration Theory attempt to bridge the gap between structural and action theories?

Structuration Theory suggests that sociologists should focus on the duality of structure and action, recognizing that both individual agency and social structures are essential in understanding social phenomena. It provides a framework for analyzing how structures are reproduced and changed through everyday actions.

What are some criticisms of Giddens' Structuration Theory?

Critics like Margaret Archer argue that Giddens underplays the capacity of structures to resist change, such as slavery. Others, like the Critical Realist Approach (CRA), argue that Structuration Theory doesn't describe what happens in society but rather what kinds of things we'll find, like actions, rules, and resources.

What does Giddens suggest sociologists should focus on instead of individual agency or social structures?

Giddens suggests that sociologists should focus on shared social practices that necessarily involve elements of both individual agency and social structures, such as eating, voting, child rearing, and punishment.